5 Common Types of Medical Negligence Claims You Should Know

Medical negligence claims can be difficult to understand, but knowledge is power when protecting yourself against substandard medical practices. When you do understand the types of medical negligence claims, you are in a better position to recognize and address any potential issues or problems.

Medical negligence means a failure to provide an acceptable standard of care, resulting in injury or harm. When you notice such an unfortunate event, consult with a legal expert. These are the benefits you will enjoy when you engage a lawyer:

• Legal representation: A lawyer can help you determine whether a doctor’s negligence caused your injury or loss. They will assist you in filing a complaint, gathering evidence, and ensuring that your claim is properly addressed.
• Negotiation skills: A lawyer will use their expertise and negotiation skills to obtain the best outcome for you from any settlement discussions. This may include securing financial compensation for your injury, loss of income, or other damages.
• Settlement: A lawyer can help you settle any claim out of court by negotiating a settlement between both parties. This is the best option since it prevents costly legal fees and lengthy court proceedings.
• Proper filing: A lawyer will ensure that all documents are properly filed and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Knowing the common types of medical negligence claims can help you understand your rights as a patient and protect yourself against substandard care.

Here are the five most common medical negligence claims that you should know about:

1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

This type of claim arises when a doctor fails to diagnose an illness correctly or if the diagnosis is delayed, resulting in more severe symptoms than would have been present if an earlier diagnosis had been made.

2. Surgical Negligence

This claim involves any injury or complications caused by substandard medical care during surgery. This could include mistakes such as leaving instruments inside the body, wrong-site operations, and other errors during the procedure.

3. Medication Errors

This type of claim pertains to incorrect medications being prescribed or administered, which can seriously harm a patient. This could range from receiving the wrong dose to taking the wrong medication altogether.

4. Birth Injury Claims

Birth injury claims refer to any form of medical negligence that occurs during labor and delivery and results in injury or harm to the mother, child, or both. This could include improper use of forceps, failure to recognize signs of distress, or administering medications without consent.

5. Infection Control Claims

This type of claim involves any negligence by medical staff that leads to infection being contracted during a medical procedure. This includes failure to follow proper hygiene protocols, improper equipment sterilization, and other practices that may lead to infection.

It is important to remain vigilant when it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones. If you believe you or someone you know may have been the victim of medical negligence, contact a medical negligence legal representative for advice.